Association Plans Talk On Lakes' Preservation

December 1, 1985|By Joe Sanchez of The Sentinel Staff

TAVARES — The Lake Improvement Association is planning an open forum Dec. 5 for individuals and groups interested in problems affecting the county's lakes and what can be done to preserve the waterways.

The meeting will be held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Leesburg Community Center, said association member Dave Meek, Tavares.

Meek said there sometimes is confusion over which agencies control and regulate the waterways because there are 16 federal, state and county agencies involved.

Often the agencies don't have long-range plans and don't coordinate their efforts, Meek said. The results are duplication of projects, wasted funds and the lack of basic services.

''Our only hope is that the small businesses, individuals and corporations work together and compromise their special interests so Lake County waterways and wildlife will be preserved,'' he said.

The non-profit organization, which recently started its 1986 membership drive, has about 400 members and is more than 20 years old. The members are dedicated to providing healthy lakes for fishing, wildlife and recreation purposes, he said.